The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has revealed its ambitious plan to introduce night operations on key routes before the second quarter of 2024.
Fidet Okhiria, the Managing Director of NRC, shared this development during an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
Addressing the current limitations faced by the NRC, Okhiria emphasized the need to break away from daytime restrictions and allow trains to operate around the clock.
He stated, “What is limiting us is the night operations, and that is not the way trains should operate. The train is meant to operate at all times.”
The NRC’s plan extends beyond mere convenience; it aims to reinstate both passenger and freight trains on vital routes such as Port-Harcourt to Aba, Lagos to Kano, and Kaduna, with a special focus on facilitating transport to dry ports.
Okhiria outlined the corporation’s strategy, explaining, “We are going to increase the number of train trips to six on Lagos-Ibadan, Warri-Itakpe, and Abuja-Kaduna, which means the trips will be three times to and three times fro, making six trips in a day.”
Currently running four trips—two up and two down—the NRC envisions a significant expansion of services with this strategic move.
The Managing Director assured the public that these transformative night operations would commence before the second quarter of 2024.
Despite the existing four-trip schedule, the NRC is gearing up to provide passengers with a more frequent and efficient rail service.
This initiative marks a pivotal moment for rail transport in Nigeria, unlocking new possibilities for commuters and businesses alike.
The NRC’s dedication to expanding train services aligns with broader efforts to boost transportation infrastructure across the country.
As the NRC sets its sights on the second quarter of 2024 for the implementation of night operations, Nigerians can anticipate a more flexible and accessible rail travel experience on the horizon.
This move not only signifies a strategic leap in the corporation’s operations but also underscores its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the nation’s growing population.